Designing your kitchen is not only about having stunning countertops or an expensive oven. If it fails to cater to your needs, then it misses out on one of the vital features of any good kitchen: functionality.
Kitchen design errors may be avoided by following a few simple rules. Moreover, if you consult with our professionals, they can help you at every step of your planning and design journey.
In this post, we discuss common kitchen design errors to avoid by all means possible.
Avoid Common Kitchen Design Errors in Your Markham Home
Below are the most common kitchen design mistakes made by Markham homeowners and their solutions.
1. No Space to Move Around
Whether your kitchen is small or large, being able to move properly within this space must be given importance. This type of error can make your kitchen look cramped and limit the number of people who can use it at once.
How to Fix It
In a medium or large kitchen, allow at least four feet between the countertops or kitchen island. When your kitchen is small, such as in a galley kitchen, allow 3.5 feet of space, if not the standard four.
2. Not Heeding the Work Triangle
Those with interior design training know the concept of the kitchen work triangle and how it is vital for effective workflow. This triangle connects the sink, oven, and refrigerator so that the flow between them becomes seamless.
How to Fix It
Each leg of the work triangle (i.e. the total distance between each working area) should measure between four and nine feet. This allows you to clean, cook and store products easily. The triangle should not be obscured and no one should cross or occupy that specific area.
3. Using Incorrectly-Sized Cabinets and Appliances
One common kitchen design error is ordering the wrong size cabinets or appliances. These include undersized or oversized dishwashers, overhead cabinets, and microwaves.
How to Fix It
Measure your kitchen space before you select your kitchen appliances. Triple-check these dimensions to ensure that everything will fit within your kitchen layout. Be sure to take into account when the appliances are in action; that is, when the oven, fridge, or kitchen cabinet doors are completely open.
4. Not Using Adequate Lighting
Lighting can create a huge impact on your kitchen. You may design your kitchen properly, but if it is not properly lit, you may not be able to perform your tasks in the best possible way.
How to Fix It
Adequate kitchen lighting is important. For example, pendant lights that function as task lighting above your kitchen island can be a great addition to this space. Moreover, you may choose undercabinet lights as recessed lighting for added visibility. Keep in mind: overhead lights can be harsh and create unwanted shadows, so task lighting is often the better choice.
5. Not Applying a Vertical Space
Another kitchen design error is not maximizing vertical space, especially in small kitchens. In fact, vertical space can offer important storage, and wasting it may create a dysfunctional kitchen.
How to Fix It
You may install open shelves or overhead cabinets to allow more space for storage. Ensure that the kitchen shelves or cabinets reach the ceiling, so long as they are still accessible. You may also mix closed cabinets with open shelves to add visual interest to your kitchen space.
6. Considering Upper Cabinetry as a Necessity
Many homeowners are wary about removing their upper kitchen cabinets because they do not want to lose storage. But this is not necessarily true, especially for kitchens that experience a lot of traffic. These large upper cabinets can occupy a lot of space and create visual bulk.
How to Fix it
It is recommended that you maximize storage in your kitchen island and base cabinets and make sure that everything is accessible. This can free up wall space for a wonderful full-slab backsplash. This way, you can improve the look and feel of your kitchen.
Designing a kitchen can be daunting, but avoiding common mistakes can help ensure that the space is functional, efficient, and looks great. Remember to prioritize functionality, lighting, storage, cabinets, countertops, workflow, ventilation, maintenance, and budget when designing your kitchen. Are you looking for professional kitchen remodelling in Markham? Get in touch with Cabinets & Granite Direct. Our experts are dedicated to providing high-quality countertops and cabinets to suit your kitchen renovation requirements.